Province, Port Mission Supports National Trade Diversification Plans
Some of the cranes at the Port of Halifax are pictured in May 2025. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)
Together, the Province and the Halifax Port Authority are advancing Canada’s trade diversification goals by working to attract investments to increase port capacity and grow Nova Scotia’s economy.
“Canada needs to diversify trade routes and increase supply chain resilience, and Nova Scotia is ready to take the lead to protect our economic sovereignty,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Nova Scotia’s Port of Halifax is already a critical international gateway and can help advance Canada’s trade diversification objectives. I will do everything I can to show that Nova Scotia is open for business and ready to provide an efficient and resilient supply chain pathway that supports jobs and helps to grow our economy.”
As part of this effort, the Premier is in Geneva, Switzerland, May 18-20 with Fulvio Fracassi, President and CEO of the authority, to engage private investment partners.
The mission supports the port authority’s application under the Canada Trade Diversification Corridors Fund. The $5-billion federal fund aims to build and improve trade infrastructure, including ports, railways, airports and roads; reduce dependency on trade with the United States; and boost exports to global markets.
The Halifax Port Authority has been invited to apply for the federal funding to advance the Atlantic Hub container terminal expansion project, which will increase terminal capacity and leverage the port’s existing connections to more than 150 countries.
Quotes:
“The Port of Halifax is a strategic and vital gateway for Canada, connecting Canadian businesses and communities with global opportunities. We stand ready to play a pivotal role in Canadian trade diversification for shared success and prosperity. We thank the Province of Nova Scotia for their partnership and support.”
— Fulvio Fracassi, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority
Quick Facts:
- Canada’s trade diversification objectives include doubling Canadian exports to non-U.S. markets in 10 years
- the Port of Halifax provides a proven and reliable supply chain connection to Ontario and Quebec, Canada’s most populous provinces and the nation’s manufacturing heartland
- in 2025, about 25 per cent of containerized cargo exports handled at the Port of Halifax were from Central Canada, and about 50 per cent of imports through the port were destined for Central Canada
- Halifax is the only port in Eastern Canada that can receive ultra-size vessels, which can carry 12,000 or more twenty-foot equivalent units; those vessels currently represent 38 per cent of the world fleet and will reach 50 per cent by 2030
- mission delegates include the Premier, Mr. Fracassi and Nicole LaFosse Parker, Chief of Staff and General Counsel, Premier’s Office
Additional Resources:
Port of Halifax: https://www.porthalifax.ca/
Port of Halifax – Moving Forward video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7oarUIq2LM
Trade Diversification Corridors Fund: https://tc.canada.ca/en/programs/funding-programs/trade-diversification-corridors-fund